Counting the cost of vandalism at recreational facilities
29 October 2020
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has suffered great losses during the past year due to vandalism of community facilities. Theft and arson also deprived communities of much needed services. Close to R17 million was lost due to vandalism and theft at facilities, among other things. Read more below:
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department manages and maintains community centres, sports fields, district parks, outdoor gyms and play parks, resorts, indoor centres, beaches, swimming and tidal pools and cemeteries. Vandalism has damaged infrastructure, which impacts on service delivery and access to facilities.
A recent report to the Community Service and Health Portfolio Committee highlighted losses for the period 1 July 2019 – 31 August 2020.
In compliance with regulations of the General Insurance Policy, the Recreation and Parks Department reported 271 incidents with a total of 225 cases finalised.
‘Vandalism, theft and arson at City facilities are selfish, short-sighted criminal activities that have a long term effect of depriving communities of much needed services and access to facilities. It is especially the vulnerable groups in communities, our children and senior citizens, that are affected the most. When criminals trespass on City property and break down play equipment at a community park, they are stealing opportunities from children – opportunities to play and learn. We simply cannot and will not allow this,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Theft and vandalism not only cause damage to infrastructure, but also deprive communities of municipal services for months at a time, and endanger the lives of staff and residents.
Theft at facilities was close to R3,8 million with vandalism costing the City R11 747 900. A further two claims of arson were registered at a cost of R870 000.
Vandalism, theft and the hijacking of council vehicles amounted to R603 814,00, which necessitated the Recreation and Parks Department to register 21 insurance claims.
The following facilities were vandalised through protest action and illegal land invasions with estimated losses and damages to equipment and infrastructure per facility:
Wallacedene Community Park - R63 900
Monwabisi Resort - R2 550 000
Desmond Tutu Recreation Centre – R6000 000
OR Tambo Sport Centre - R750 000
Solomon Mahlangu Hall -R940 000
St. James Beach Huts - R300 000
The Hague Recreation Centre - R40 000
Phillipi East Hall -R10 000
The estimated value of losses for land invasions and public protests at Recreation and Sports facilities amounts to R10 653 900.
The City’s recreational spaces play an important role in encouraging residents to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. The Recreation and Parks Department has the responsibility to manage, conserve and develop outdoor spaces but we need the assistance and support of the community to help us prevent vandalism and theft. Caring for community parks and facilities is a shared responsibility that facilities cannot do without. We would once again like to ask residents to report possible criminal activity so that officials can act swiftly to put a stop to the destruction of community facilities, added Councillor Badroodien.
It’s important that residents acquaint themselves with the location of public open spaces, community parks and facilities in their community so that they can take ownership in caring for these facilities, in partnership with the City.
To find out about your nearest recreational facility please visit https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities
Residents can report illegal activities by phoning 021 480 7700 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline. Members of the community can also send an email to rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
